The Dark Angel

Released Sep 8, 1935

1 hr. 46 min.

Drama

List

94%

49 Reviews

Tomatometer

78%

500+ Ratings

Audience Score

Alan Trent (Fredric March) and his cousin, Gerald Shannon (Herbert Marshall), have both loved Kitty Vane (Merle Oberon) since childhood. On leave from the front in World War I, Alan proposes to her, but when his leave is canceled, Kitty spends his last night with him. At the front, Gerald believes Alan has been unfaithful to Kitty, and Alan refuses to contradict him, forcing the friends apart. Later, when Alan is presumed killed in a bombing, Gerald sadly returns home to relay the news to Kitty.

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Critics Consensus

Led by a trio of powerful performances, The Dark Angel offers a well-crafted love story set against the backdrop of World War I.

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StephenPaul C

The greatest 01 hour: and 46 minutes ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/07/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Frederic March, Merle Oberon, and Herbert Marshall comprise a love triangle in "The Dark Angel," set in the grimness of World War I. Kitty (Oberon) has grown up with both Alan (March) and Gerald (Marshall) and knows the day will come when she must choose between them. She chooses Alan, but before they can be married, he's called back into service. With just a few hours left, she accompanies him to the meeting point for his troop and stays with him at the hotel. When Gerald, in the same troop, finds out that Alan was at the hotel with a woman, he turns against him, believing that he cheated on Kitty. He refuses him leave and sends him into treacherous battle. Merle Oberon gives a touching performance as Kitty. She's very beautiful and has a lovely presence. Both March and Marshall are very good, March having the more histrionic role. "The Dark Angel" comes off as dated and there's very much a "stiff upper lip, old chap" feeling about it. It's frustrating to see the Alan character behave as he does, but this of course keeps the viewer interested, and Oberon and the supporting characters infuse the atmosphere with warmth. Worth it to see these classic stars. "The Dark Angel" is an old chestnut but a worthy one.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/08/23

Full Review

steve d

Decent enough but nothing you haven't seen before.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Another 30s movie, another Fredric March appearance. I do swear that the guy was in everything. Although a wee bit sappy and sentimental, it is well put together. A Sunday afternoon kind of film.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/07/23

Full Review

Audience Member

a wonderfully lavish soap in the order of douglas sirk pix (whom i love) this reminded me of a 'lost' sirk pic.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

Full Review

dave j

Monday, November 15, 2010 (1935) The Dark Angel DRAMA/ ROMANCE The story of 3 (2 guys and a girl) life long friends with both in love with the same girl until the two were sent to fight during the war! Somewhat of what used to happen during WWI and II in which if something "physical" happens to any war veteran such as missing legs etc... Used to be an expected reason for a girl not wanting to be with him anymore but the times have definitely changed! But because of the mature cast with great acting especially 2 time Oscar winner Fredrich March makes this film a convincing winner to all the romantics- more of a drama than a romance now that I think of it! 3.5 out of 4

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

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Sidney Franklin

Director

Fredric March

Alan Trent

Merle Oberon

Kitty Vane

Herbert Marshall

Gerald Shannon

Janet Beecher

Mrs. Shannon

John Halliday

Sir George Barton

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Abel Green

Variety

Miss Oberon is a revelation.

Mar 11, 2023

Full Review

Edgar Hay

Miami Herald

Genuinely sincere picture in all departments.

Mar 10, 2023

Full Review

Marjory Adams

Boston Globe

An artistic and emotional success - handsomely produced, with a careful eye to detail, and yet compelling and poignant in its play upon the heartstrings.

Mar 10, 2023

Full Review

James T. Hamada

The Nippu Jiji (Honolulu)

Admirably directed by Sidney Franklin, The Dark Angel is a poignant wartime drama, a beautiful love story...

Mar 11, 2023

Full Review

Landon Laird

Kansas City Star

A picture that contains beauty in writing, intelligence in direction and sincerity and appeal in acting.

Mar 10, 2023

Full Review

John Reddington

Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Blessed by a first-rate job of direction by Sidney Franklin, and three equally impressive acting performances by Merle Oberon, Fredric March, and Herbert Marshal.

Mar 10, 2023

Full Review

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Synopsis

Alan Trent (Fredric March) and his cousin, Gerald Shannon (Herbert Marshall), have both loved Kitty Vane (Merle Oberon) since childhood. On leave from the front in World War I, Alan proposes to her, but when his leave is canceled, Kitty spends his last night with him. At the front, Gerald believes Alan has been unfaithful to Kitty, and Alan refuses to contradict him, forcing the friends apart. Later, when Alan is presumed killed in a bombing, Gerald sadly returns home to relay the news to Kitty.

Director: Sidney Franklin
Screenwriter: Lillian Hellman, Mordaunt Shairp
Distributor: United Artists
Production Co: Samuel Goldwyn Company
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 8, 1935, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 24, 2020

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